Anatomy of an Anti-Trans Argument: A Case Study in TERF Rhetoric

Turning TERF rhetoric into teachable moments, vol. 2

Setting the Stage - The OP:

Picture this: You're scrolling through Substack notes, minding your own business, when you stumble across a comment and article you like:

You click on the note, and notice that it quickly becomes about transgender bathroom access. Seems like a reasonable enough discussion, right? Oh, my sweet summer child. Let me tell you a story about my recent run-in with a commenter named Alison, and how our little back-and-forth perfectly encapsulates the go-to rhetorical tricks and logical fallacies of your garden-variety TERF (Trans-Exclusionary Radical Feminist). Buckle up, folks - this is going to be an interesting and revealing ride.

Act I: The Bait: Alison's Faux "Reasonable Concerns"

It all started with Alison's original comment. They suggest that while "most trans using women's wouldn't be an issue," it has "resulted in voyeurism and assault in the past." Alison then proposed a "neutral bathroom solution" as a compromise. Sounds reasonable on the surface, right? Wrong. Let's break it down into components and examine the rhetorical devices and problematic elements.

At first glance, Alison's words might seem reasonable. They start by suggesting a "neutral bathroom solution" and qualifying that "most trans using women's wouldn't be an issue." But let's take a closer look at how they are twisting language to introduce anti-trans talking points while trying to maintain plausible deniability.

Right off the bat, Alison is "just asking questions" - a classic rhetorical trick to sow doubt without overtly stating a position. Their proposed "compromise" of neutral bathrooms actually reinforces harmful segregation, as if trans people should be kept separate from the general population. This is the same "separate but equal" logic used to justify racial discrimination for decades.

Notice too how Alison refers to "trans" as a noun, a dehumanizing way to refer to transgender people. Even in their seeming moment of reasonableness, the phrasing of "most trans using women's wouldn't be an issue" subtly implies that the mere presence of trans women is potentially problematic. This is a strategic setup for the anti-trans rhetoric to come.

Alison's very next word, "but," negates everything that came before it. Studies have consistently debunked the myth that trans-inclusive bathrooms lead to safety issues, but Alison pushes this fear-mongering narrative anyway, claiming it has "resulted in voyeurism and assault in the past."¹ Not only is this claim unsubstantiated, but notice how Alison uses passive voice to avoid having to provide any specific evidence. This is a common tactic in anti-trans discourse to make sweeping generalizations based on isolated or hypothetical incidents, relying on moral panic rather than facts.² In effect, what Alison has stated can be accurately rephrased as:

”most trans women using the women's restroom is an issue because it has resulted in voyeurism and assault in the past.”

The next part of Alison's comment is an outstanding example in smooth and subtle concern trolling³. They say they imagines assault "wouldn't be the case in this situation" because it's "tightly controlled." So even in hypothetically acknowledging the safety of a particular situation, the underlying message is that trans people are inherently dangerous unless they're under surveillance. The subtle distancing language of "I imagine" also allows Alison to float this transphobic implication while evading direct responsibility for it. This seems almost reasonable except…

…Alison's not done yet. They immediately pivot with another "but still," claiming that "women worry about these things all the time, so it's understandable."

Let's break this down. Alison positions trans women as separate from "women," speaking over actual trans women to center cisgender women's fears, valid or not. Alison presents worry as natural and understandable, glossing over the fact that it's based on the very myth they were just perpetuating. In doing so, Alison is normalizing prejudice against trans women and justifying discrimination in the name of safety. In effect, the second sentence can be accurately rephrased as saying:

“Even though in this specific tightly controlled situation it might be okay for trans women to use the women's restroom, women's worries about assault and voyeurism from trans women in restrooms are still understandable and justified in general.”

When we step back and look at Alison's comment as a whole, we can see how all these rhetorical devices work together:

1. JAQing off - Just Asking Questions

2. The False Compromise

3. scare tactics

4. normalizing baseless worry

5. speaking over trans experiences.

It's a prime example of anti-trans concern trolling, where cruel policies are disguised as reasonable concerns coming from a place of care. This is just how we break down the manipulative rhetoric, but we can also see how it’s logically flawed from start to finish.

First, there's the false correlation between trans women using women's restrooms and incidents of assault or voyeurism. Alison implies a causal link, but provides no evidence to back it up. Studies have shown time and again that trans-inclusive bathrooms do not lead to increased safety risks.[3][4] Correlation does not equal causation, and Alison is relying on this fallacy to stoke baseless fears.

This brings us to the appeal to emotion, specifically fear. Rather than making a logical case, Alison tries to stir up knee-jerk emotional reactions with the specter of violence. But feelings aren't facts, and we can't let fear-mongering override reason and compassion.

Alison also makes a hasty generalization, painting all trans women as potential predators based on vague assertions about past incidents. This is textbook prejudice, attributing the actions of a few individuals to an entire group. Each person should be judged by their own character, not sweeping stereotypes.

The idea that trans women should use separate bathrooms for the comfort of others is begging the question - it assumes the very thing it's trying to prove. Alison takes it as a given that trans women are inherently "other" and dangerous, but this is exactly the misconception we need to dismantle. Assuming your conclusion is a circular logical fallacy.

Finally, the burden of proof is on Alison to substantiate their claims that trans bathroom access leads to harm. Yet all they offer are shadowy references to past incidents, no specifics or statistics. The reality is, there's no hard evidence linking trans-inclusive policies to increased danger.⁴⁵ Alison makes some very serious accusations, but they can't back them up.

When we shine a light on the logical fallacies in Alison's argument, the foundation crumbles. Their comment is a house of cards, built on faulty assumptions and misleading rhetoric. By critically examining the rhetoric and logic, we can dismantle the anti-trans talking points and advocate for fact-based, compassionate policies that respect everyone's humanity.

But we don't have to fall for it the manipulative rhetoric and logical fallacies. By critically examining language and checking claims against evidence, we can unravel this web of anti-trans rhetoric and advocate for truth and equality. Trans people deserve safety and dignity, period. There's no neutral about that.

Act II: The Rebuttal: Recenter the Conversation on Facts

Naturally, I couldn't let Alison's comment slide. I was not sure if Alison was concern trolling, or perhaps just misinformed. So before posting this, I checked Alison’s profile and found they have a substack entirely devoted to anti-trans articles, as is their notes/comments history. With this context in mind, Alison’s comment went from “concerned but misinformed” to just plain concern trolling.

“Gender critical” = anti-trans/cissexist/transmisic

In my response I wanted to peel back the layer of “concern” to see what would be exposed. So I pointed out a crucial flaw in their logic: If their real concern was predatory men taking advantage of trans-inclusive policies, then the problem isn't with trans women at all.⁶

Here, I'm refocusing on the real issue (male violence) and challenging the underlying assumption that trans women are a threat. I'm also highlighting the flaw in Alison's argument - it's not trans identity that enables assault, but male entitlement and aggression.

This kind of reframing is crucial for exposing the true motivations behind anti-trans talking points.⁷ The implicit assumption in Alison's argument is that transgender identities are not valid or real, and that trans women are merely 'pretending' in order to access women's spaces for nefarious purposes.⁸ By challenging this notion directly, we can reveal the underlying prejudice and reframe the conversation around facts rather than fear-based myths.

By shifting the lens, we can reveal the prejudices hiding beneath the polite veneer. If there is real concern about the issue as stated - predatory men and violence against women, then this takes a different direction.⁹

“From a scientific and evidence-based perspective, there is no current evidence that granting transgender individuals access to gender-corresponding restrooms results in an increase in sexual offenses.”¹⁰

If it is really about prejudice about/over trans people, then we double-down or try to shift to a different talking point, as the goal is not really about women’s safety anymore but about scoring points and winning the argument; essentially, to be vindicated and/or proven “right.”

I made sure to keep my tone respectful but firm - this was about addressing discrimination, not attacking Alison personally. This was a charitable response, as it gave Alison the choice to agree and let’s work on organizing against the real issue(s), disengage completely, or double down.

A genuinely concerned but misinformed person may be willing to reconsider their stance when presented with clear evidence undermining the basis of their argument. However, if Alison continues to insist that trans-inclusive policies endanger women despite the lack of supporting facts, it becomes apparent that their position stems from anti-transgender bias rather than sincere concern for safety. Alternatively, complete disengagement would suggest an unwillingness to earnestly examine their own assumptions when challenged.

Act III: The Mask Slips: Doubling Down on Discrimination

Faced with facts and logic, Alison had a choice: reconsider their position or double down. Unsurprisingly, they chose the latter, abandoning any pretense of allyship or concern in favor of blatant transmisia. Let's unpack what's happening in this mask-off moment.

So this makes things quite clear, most of the layers of “reasonable concern” were peeled away successfully, and now we get to see Alison for who and what they are. Alison abandons any pretense of allyship or concern, instead going all-in on anti-trans ideology. Let's unpack what's happening in this mask-off moment.

First, notice how Alison completely conflates trans women with men. In one fell swoop, they deny the womanhood of all trans women, insisting "we are talking about men." This is blatant, unabashed transmisia. Alison doesn't see trans women as women at all, and when we take this comment in context of their previous remarks, it is clear that they see trans women as deceptive men invading women's spaces.

Alison claims the very idea of trans women is a "false division," dismissing the reality of transgender identities. They are denying the very existence of trans people, positioning them as illegitimate and undeserving of recognition.

By lumping trans women in with "all men," Alison is perpetuating the dangerous myth that trans women are really predatory males looking to prey on cis women. They are not-so-subtly implying that trans women are a sexual threat, a transphobic stereotype used to justify discrimination and even violence against trans people.

But Alison's not done with the logical fallacies yet. They bring up the specter of "bad apples" among men as a justification for excluding all trans women from women's restrooms. This is a classic red herring, shifting focus away from the actual issue of transphobia and onto hypothetical predatory men.

Let's be clear: the existence of predatory men is a real problem, but it has nothing to do with trans women using the restroom that aligns with their gender. Alison is making a false equivalence between trans women and predatory men, when in reality, trans women are far more likely to be the victims of sexual violence than the perpetrators, and for more often the victims of male violence (per capita).¹¹

Alison's "solution" of "separate loos" should be a red flag for anyone familiar with the history of discrimination. It's the same "separate but equal" ideology used to justify segregation and oppression of marginalized groups. Separate is never equal, and forcing trans women to use men's restrooms or gender-neutral options is an act of exclusion and othering. This same practice of 'separate but equal' has a long and storied history of being used to justify discrimination¹² against marginalized groups, as I explored in my article “The Trans Takeover Begins!” (CW: Historically accurate language to make a point).

When we cut through all the rhetoric, Alison's position is clear: they don't think trans women are really women, and they don't want them in women's spaces, period. This isn't about safety concerns or "bad apples" - it's about transmisia, plain and simple. So what can we do? I chose to call it out.

Act IV: Exposing the Prejudice Behind the Pretext -
Calling Out Alison's Real Views

After Alison doubled down on their biological essentialism, I knew it was time to lay bare the ugly reality behind their concern trolling.

I had a bit of ground to cover, so there's a lot to unpack here - let's break it down:

Rhetorical Move: Exposing Inconsistencies
By pointing out Alison's earlier concession that trans women aren't inherently dangerous, I revealed the contradiction in their argument. If they truly believed trans women posed a unique threat, they wouldn't have said "most trans using women's wouldn't be an issue." This inconsistency suggests their position is rooted in bias, not facts.

In their previous comment, in order to double-down, Alison had to conflate trans women with cis men. In doing so, they essentially are trying to lay claim that males are the primary perpetrators of said violence and voyeurism, to include trans women - this is false. Then, when I make the distinction between cis men and trans women, Alison has to defend men in order to make the claim against trans women - that is the “very few men would actually…” part. This shows a logical inconsistency that highlights the underlying bias.

Rhetorical Move: Refocusing on the Real Threat
I then pivoted to the statistical reality that cisgender men are the group most likely to commit violence against women, both cis and trans.¹³ By highlighting this fact, I exposed how Alison is scapegoating trans women for male violence instead of addressing the actual problem. This kind of misdirection is a classic tactic for justifying discrimination.

Rhetorical Move: Calling Out Prejudice
Next, I directly named the prejudice behind Alison's selective "concern." By singling out trans women while ignoring more significant threats, they revealed their true belief that trans women aren't real women deserving of inclusion and protection.¹⁴ I refused to let their hide behind a veneer of care and cut straight to the transphobic core of their argument.

Rhetorical Move: Reframing Safety
Finally, I recast "safety" as a pretext for discrimination, highlighting how excluding trans women does nothing to protect cis women but does put trans women at greater risk. This reframing exposed the reality that Alison's position was never really about keeping women safe - it was about rationalizing anti-trans bias.

By systematically deconstructing Alison's argument, I laid bare the true motivations behind their seemingly reasonable rhetoric. This is a good example of how to cut through the smoke and mirrors of concern trolling and reveal the transphobia at the heart of so many bathroom ban arguments.

In reality, as we cut away all the “reasons” and “concerns” in this manner, the Alisons in the world end up painting themselves into a corner, revealing that their position is ultimately rooted in prejudice rather than genuine concern for women's safety¹⁵.

---

Act V: Mask Off - Saying the Quiet Part Out Loud

Just when you thought Alison couldn't dig herself any deeper, they came back with a reply that dispensed with any pretense of good faith or factual argument:
Alison's mask of reasonableness is gone in this reply.

Where to even begin with this? Let's break it down:

1. Asserting Opinion as Fact: Alison starts by baldly declaring their views are "just fact," without a shred of evidence to back it up. This is a classic tactic of bigotry - present your prejudice as unquestionable truth and dismiss any disagreement as "games" or some other foil.

2. Biological Essentialism: The claim that "all grown males are men" is textbook biological essentialism. It reduces gender to genitals and denies the reality of trans identities. This is a core tenet of TERF ideology, and it's both factually wrong and deeply harmful.¹⁶¹⁷

3. Dismissing Violence Against Trans Women: Perhaps the most galling part of Alison's comment is their casual dismissal of the epidemic of violence against trans women. Alison "quite frankly does not believe" that trans women face higher risks (per capita), despite mountains of evidence to the contrary.¹⁸ This study, using nationally representative data from the National Crime Victimization Survey, found that transgender people were over four times more likely to experience violent victimization compared to cisgender people, with no significant differences in risk between trans women and men¹⁹ This kind of willful ignorance is not just misguided - it's dangerous.

4. Demanding Evidence (But Only From Others): In the same breath as they reject well-established facts about anti-trans violence, Alison assumes that their claim “stands to reason” and that anyone who disagrees must provide evidence. The implication is that their baseless opinions should be taken as gospel/fact, while any counterargument must be exhaustively proven. This is a glaring double standard and a sign of arguing in bad faith.

5. Logical Fallacy: Begging the Question
   Alison's circular logic assumes the very thing they are trying to prove - that trans women are men because they are "male." But this just restates their conclusion without substantiating it.

   Logical Fallacy: Appeal to Dictionary
   The simplistic claim that "all males are men" relies on a prescriptivist understanding of language that ignores how words' meanings can change over time to become more inclusive. It's the same flawed logic that's been used to argue that same-gender marriage isn't "real" marriage.

Taken together, this comment is mask-off transmisia. Alison has abandoned any pretense of "just asking questions" or "protecting women" in favor of overt anti-trans rhetoric. Alison has made it crystal clear that they do not see trans women as women, do not believe they face violence (or at least at an increased risk/rate), and is not interested in facts that challenge their bigoted worldview, as we will see later.

In a sense, this comment is almost refreshing in its honesty. It lays bare the ugly reality behind the concern trolling and pseudo-feminist posturing. It's a reminder that at the end of the day, the core of anti-trans activism is simply prejudice - a stubborn refusal to accept trans people as who they say they are.

Of course, this prejudice falls apart under scrutiny. The facts are not on Alison's side, no matter how confidently they declare their opinion to be "just fact." The scientific consensus is clear: trans identities are real, valid, and worthy of respect.²⁰²¹ The lived experiences of trans people cannot be hand-waved away by appeals to biology or dictionary definitions.

But facts alone are unlikely to sway someone as deep in the TERF rabbit hole as Alison appears to be. Their comment demonstrates a level of ideological commitment that is not easily shaken by evidence or reason.

So why engage at all? Why not just write their off as a lost cause and move on?

The answer is that these conversations are never just about convincing the Alisons of the world. They're about reaching the people watching silently from the sidelines - the ones who may be confused, misinformed, or on the fence about trans issues. They're about providing a counter-narrative to the steady drip of transphobic messaging that permeates our culture. And they're about showing up for trans people and making it clear that bigotry will not go unchallenged.

Every time we call out prejudice, every time we affirm the validity of trans identities, every time we stand firm in the face of hostility and misinformation - we make a difference. We chip away at the edifice of transphobia and build a world where all people can live authentically and without fear.

Alison may never come around, but others will. Change is possible, and it starts with everyday acts of courage and compassion. It starts with saying, loudly and clearly, that trans rights are non-negotiable.

Act VI: Calling Out the Transphobia - A Direct Response

Faced with Alison's mask-off transphobia, I knew I needed to respond clearly and unequivocally, and citing my sources. Here is what I wrote, this time I copy/pasted the note, so as to preserve all the links:

Thank you for finally being honest about your transphobia[1] instead of hiding behind fake concerns about safety. Your belief that 'all grown males are men' ignores decades of scientific understanding about gender identity, biology, and human development. You're not stating 'facts' - you're stating an ideology rooted in biological essentialism that's used to justify discrimination [2][3]. You claim you are not prejudiced, but then label yourself with a moniker that established that you are prejudiced against trans people.

When you say 'I'm not trying to be rude but...' and then proceed to deliberately misgender an entire group of people, that's exactly what you're doing. It's not 'playing games' to respect people's identities and dignity.

You've moved from pretending to care about women's safety to openly declaring your real position: that you simply don't accept trans people's existence. This is exactly why your initial 'safety concerns' were never genuine - they were just a smokescreen for transphobia[4][5][8], as pretext as I stated earlier.

In regards to your doubts about women being at a lower risk of violence then trans women, the facts and figures tell a different story [6][7][9].

If your concerns about safety are the real driving force, it stands to reason that cisgender men being the majority of all perpetrators of said concerns should be the target focus here. Trying to divide women into disparate groups does not make us stand stronger against those who would do us harm, cis or trans. Standing together does.

Because at the end of the day, no one is harmed simply because someone is trans. No one is harmed because another is going through transition. One is harmed by the actions of others who choose to commit acts of harm. This is true regardless if they are trans or cis, straight or not.

Having a trans woman in the loo next to you puts you at no greater risk than any other woman[10,11]; in fact, trans people are often the ones facing harassment and violence in bathrooms, with 70% reporting being denied access, verbally harassed, or physically assaulted in public restrooms.[12]

Finally, many of the arguments and articles you write so far are all based on many of concepts and claims I have written about and debunked. As have far better writers and researchers than I - I highly recommend you take a thorough read of Julia Serano’s articles and books. Be well, and good luck. May you learn that your mind is like a parachute - it works best when open.

1. https://nwlc.org/happy-pride-dont-be-a-terf/

2. https://thetartan.org/2021/11/22/news/terf-vandalism

3. https://gender.stanford.edu/news/clayman-conversations-three-scholars-examine-terf-industrial-complex

4. https://virginiapolitics.org/online/2020/12/4/5jmdell0qtggz3mmwaptf9evnus6od

5. https://trans-express.lgbt/post/187661209651/hi-there-just-curious-how-come-you-tagged-the

6. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/355579110_Trans_Women's_Responses_to_Sexual_Violence_Vigilance_Resilience_and_Need_for_Support

7. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33600251/

8. https://www.mediamatters.org/fox-nation/debunking-big-myth-about-transgender-inclusive-bathrooms

9. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0279363

10. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/political-minds/202406/the-science-of-trans-inclusive-bathroom-bills#:~:text=Trans-inclusive%20bathroom,over%20500

11. https://www.safegrowth.org/blog/gender-neutral-washrooms-and-safety#:~:text=The%20research,or%20children.

12. https://juliaserano.medium.com/transgender-people-bathrooms-and-sexual-predators-what-the-data-say-2f31ae2a7c06#:~:text=Seventy%20percent,restrooms.%20These

I tried to thoroughly dismantle Alison's transphobic arguments while centering the dignity and lived experiences of trans people. I wanted to make as a complete rebuttal as I could. Let's break down what we have here:

Rhetorical Move: Naming the Prejudice
Right off the bat, I directly call out Alison's rhetoric as transphobia, refusing to let their hide behind disingenuous "concerns." By naming the prejudice, it exposes the ugly reality behind their pseudo-reasonable objections and reframe the conversation around the actual issue at hand: anti-trans discrimination.

Rhetorical Move: Exposing Hypocrisy
We highlight the contradiction between Alison's claim to civility and their deliberate misgendering of trans people. By pointing out this hypocrisy, we reveal the fundamental disrespect behind their concern trolling and force readers to confront the true face of transphobia behind the polite mask.

Rhetorical Move: Debunking with Data
Next, it systematically debunks Alison's claims with hard facts and expert consensus. By citing extensive evidence on everything from the biology of gender identity to the epidemic of violence against trans women, we dismantle their arguments and reveal them as baseless fearmongering. This appeal to scientific authority is a powerful counter to the junk science and "common sense" so often weaponized against trans people.

Rhetorical Move: Linking Rhetoric to Real-World Harm
Throughout our response, we draw a direct line between the abstract arguments Alison is making and the concrete harms they enable, from the epidemic of violence against trans women to the psychological toll of constant misgendering and exclusion. By showing how rhetoric translates into real-world consequences, we underscore the high stakes of this conversation and make it impossible to ignore the human cost of transphobia.

Rhetorical Move: Centering Trans Humanity
Throughout the response, we continually recenter the conversation on the real human impact of transphobia. By highlighting the harm of misgendering, the importance of respecting trans identities, and the fundamental right of trans people to exist in public space, we make it clear that this is not an abstract debate but a matter of basic dignity. This ethical framing cuts through the noise and reveals the moral urgency of trans inclusion.

Rhetorical Move: Reframing Safety and Solidarity
Finally, we recast the entire conversation around safety as a matter of solidarity between cis and trans women. By emphasizing our shared struggles against patriarchal violence, we reject the divide-and-conquer tactics of transphobes and call for unified resistance. This reframing is a powerful reminder that feminism must be intersectional and that none of us are free until all of us are free.

We also make a series of substantive points that lend weight and substance to the rehtorical moves we made:

Substantive Point: Debunking Biological Essentialism
The point about biological essentialism being an ideology rather than a fact is crucial. By highlighting the scientific consensus around the complexity of sex and gender, we dismantle the pseudoscience often used to justify transphobia. This is an important reminder that bigotry is not based in reality but in self-serving distortions of it.

Substantive Point: Exposing the Real Threat
By zeroing in on the glaring hole in Alison's logic: if safety is the real concern, why single out trans women rather than the cis men who commit the vast majority of sexual violence? By highlighting this inconsistency, we reveal how their arguments are not about protecting women but about demonizing trans people. This is a vital reframing that cuts to the heart of the issue.

Substantive Point: Calling for Solidarity
The point about the importance of solidarity between cis and trans women is important, and I think, powerful (or empowering). By emphasizing our shared struggle against patriarchal violence, we offer a vision of feminist sisterhood that includes and uplifts all women. This is a call to action that reminds us of our collective strength when we stand together against all forms of gender-based oppression.

Substantive Point: Affirming the Right to Exist
Perhaps most importantly, we center the fundamental humanity and right to exist of trans people. We make it clear that trans lives and identities are not up for debate, and that any feminism worthy of the name must unconditionally affirm and include trans people. This is the non-negotiable foundation of any truly intersectional and liberatory politics.

By weaving together these rhetorical strategies and moral arguments, our response deconstructs Alison's transphobic ideology while articulating an expansive vision of gender justice. It has not only equipped readers to see through the smokescreens of bigotry but also given them a roadmap to a more liberated future for people of all genders. At least, that is the goal anyhow :)

Act VII: Playing the Victim - Alison’s DARVO and
Motte & Bailey

Tellingly, Alison had no substantive response to the evidence presented.

In spite of my best efforts to engage substantively and respectfully, Alison's final reply took a disappointing yet predictable turn. Rather than addressing any of the points I raised, they accuse me of calling them a "terrible transphobe who needs to find god" and insisted I needed to "learn how to have an argument without insulting someone." This in spite of the fact that I have been cordial, if firm. Instead of engaging substantively with the points raised or addressing the data, evidence, resources and studies provided, Alison pivoted to playing the victim:

This is a prime example of DARVO - Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim and Offender.²² Instead of engaging with my argument, Alison denies any transphobia, attacks my character, and positions herself as the real victim of unfair accusations. Remember this acronym, as TERFs will often use this as an attempted “gotcha” if you successfully refute a claim or expose a flawed premise.

Rhetorical Device: Tone Policing
By fixating on the "intensity" of my reply, Alison is trying to make my tone the issue - even though I was nothing but cordial - rather than the substance of my argument. This is a silencing tactic used to shut down opposition and paint advocates as unreasonable.²³

Rhetorical Device: Straw Man
Alison completely misrepresents my point to make it easier to attack. I never called their a "terrible transphobe who needs to find god" - that's a fabricated quote. By exaggerating my position, Alison can act like the wounded party.

So far these tactics are a smokescreen, designed to obscure the weakness of Alison's own position. If they can make the conversation about my imagined rudeness rather than their own prejudice, then they don't have to confront the fact that their views are based on harmful myths, not reality.

It's a frustrating dynamic, but a revealing one. When someone resorts to DARVO and tone policing, it's often a sign that they don't have a substantive leg to stand on. All they can do is try to change the subject and hope no one notices, or while people are considering how to respond, they will often retreat to a more defensible argument, this is called the:

Logical Fallacy: Motte & Bailey
Alison is retreating from their more radical claims (trans women are men) to a more defensible position (it's just a "different opinion" not transphobia).[6] But this ignores how their "opinion" perpetuates dangerous anti-trans myths with real-world consequences.²⁴

This bears a bit deeper of a dive to explain just what is Motte & Bailey both as a fallacy and as a strategy, because if you are not familiar with it, it can be as frustrating as it is draining. Also, we rarely get to see such a cut and dry example in written form, and thus it can prove to be quite instructive in what to look and listen for.

Furthermore, this is a method that Alison employs not just here, but as a common strategy in many of their comments and interactions that I have read so far. Finally, I want to highlight this as it is also how you know they have, or are beginning to, paint themselves into a corner.

The Motte & Bailey is a bait-and-switch tactic that involves making a controversial claim (the bailey), then when challenged, falling back to a more easily defended but less relevant position (the motte). It allows the arguer to smuggle in their real views while maintaining a veneer of respectability.

In this case, the bailey - Alison's actual position - is the belief that trans women are really men and should be excluded from women's spaces. However, when confronted with the bigotry of this view, when the facts, data, and inconsistency of their position is laid out, Alison retreats to the motte of simply having a “Different opinion” on the “trans debate.” In this retreat, we throw some chaff and flares in an attempt to distract - tone policing, DARVO, and crafting straw men.

If we take in their entire exchange thus far, first it was a rather discriminatory view, if couched in a reasonable sounding question. Then it was dismissing trans people’s identity and experiences as being valid, then suddenly we are back to “difference of opinion.” We started in one extreme, and started retreating to our motte.

This rhetorical sleight-of-hand allows Alison to perpetuate harmful myths and stoke unwarranted moral panic while claiming the moral high ground of faux-objectivity. By pretending that their views are just one side of a legitimate disagreement rather than a campaign of dehumanization, Alison tries to bully their way into the conversation and assert their prejudice as a reasonable position.

Exposing this fallacious reasoning is crucial for having an honest conversation. We must name the Motte & Bailey for what it is: an attempt to make prejudice, bigotry, and hate seem respectable and to stake out extreme positions under the guise of civility.

By refusing to let transphobes equivocate between their real beliefs and their sanitized talking points, we can keep the focus where it belongs: on the humanity of trans people and the reality of the threats they face in a transmisic society.

The fact is, there is no "debate" over whether trans people have a right to exist in public space, and no amount of intellectual posturing can disguise the cruelty of claiming otherwise. It's time to stop letting transphobes set the terms of the conversation and start demanding real accountability.

That is why I wanted to write this article and really dissect the Motte and Bailey routine couched in concern trolling (that Shackel paper is really worth the read re: Trolls). Alison's rhetorical maneuvers - the victim-playing of DARVO, the distraction of tone policing, the bait-and-switch of the motte and bailey - all serve the same end: to make bigotry sound reasonable and to derail any good faith discussion of trans rights. By learning to spot these tactics, we can keep the focus where it belongs: on the urgent need to support and protect one of our society's most vulnerable populations.

The Bigger Picture: Why This Fight Matters

It's easy to get bogged down in the intellectual back-and-forth of debates like this one, but we must never lose sight of the real human stakes of the ideas we're arguing over. Rhetoric like Alison's, however politely worded, contributes to a climate of hostility and prejudice that has devastating impacts on trans people's lives.

We see it in the epidemic of violence against trans folks, especially trans women of color.²⁵ We see it in the staggering rates of poverty, homelessness, and suicide attempts in the trans community.²⁶ We see it in the constant attacks on trans people's access to healthcare, housing, and public accommodations.²⁷²⁸

This is the context we must keep in mind when engaging with anti-trans talking points. These aren't just abstract ideas to be debated - they translate directly into policies and attitudes that get trans people killed.²⁹³⁰ Every myth we allow to spread unchallenged, every bit of fearmongering that goes unrefuted, is another brick in the wall of oppression. ³¹

That's why it's so crucial for us (trans, LGBTQIA+, and allies) to educate ourselves, speak out against transphobia wherever we encounter it, and materially support trans people in our communities. We have to be the squeaky wheels, leveraging our cis privilege to demand change and hold those in power accountable.

But while allies have an important role to play, we must also recognize that the true heroes of this fight are trans people themselves. In the face of unimaginable adversity, trans folks have been organizing, advocating, and supporting each other with fierce resilience and grace. From the trailblazers of Compton's Cafeteria and Stonewall to the brilliant leaders of today's trans rights movement, they've shown us what courage and community really look like.

So to every trans person reading this: know that you are seen, valued, and loved. Know that no matter how loud the voices of hate may be, they are no match for the power of your truth. And know that there are countless allies ready to stand beside you in this fight for liberation.

The road ahead is long, and the opposition is fierce. But together, we can build a world where every person, regardless of gender identity, is able to live with dignity, safety, and joy.

From Awareness to Action: Being a Trans Ally in Word and Deed

Recognizing anti-trans rhetoric is a crucial first step, but it's not enough. We need to actively challenge these harmful narratives and work to create a world where trans people can thrive.

Here are some ways you can put your allyship into action:

• Speak up when you hear transphobic comments or jokes, online and off

• Share resources and amplify trans voices on your social media

• Support trans-led organizations and campaigns with your time, money, and platform

• Educate yourself on trans issues and keep learning

• Examine your own biases and language - we've all got work to do!

• Show up for trans people in your life with love, affirmation, and concrete support

• Advocate for trans-inclusive policies at your workplace, school, and community

• Vote for politicians who support trans rights and hold them accountable

Change happens one conversation, one policy, one person at a time. By consistently showing up and challenging transphobia whenever we see it, we can help create a society where every trans person is treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. Not trans? That’s ok. Being an LGBQIA+ person, trans rights are your rights too! Are you a cis/hetero normative person? Guess what? Trans rights are your rights too!

You don’t have to be well qualified, studied, of a learned sort, a scholar, scientist, or captain of the debate team in order to counter the rhetoric we have discussed today. You don’t need to follow my examples, every one can push back in their own way. It does not need to be more academic, nor does it need to be administered with a hammer of righteousness - though that can be very cathartic (and even necessary at times). I would argue the most effective is when we push back with kindess and patience, empathy and respect. I really like how

Robin Taylor (he/him)

can be a beacon of friendly politeness and make a stand even in the face of such frustrating transmisia - just look at how he manages a very charitable and patient rebuttal:

It was more cordial than my own; it was downright friendly!
Robin shows us that kindness is really hard to hate. We can all learn a lesson from this, myself included. Patient and polite as I am, even I can come across a bit brusque sometimes - this serves as a welcome reminder that we can do better. For some basic tips on how to identify and deal with TERFs, along with a nice reading list, the University of Cambridge’s Student Union guide on “How To Spot TERF Ideology 2.0” (PDF) is a good, basic start.

It's important to remember that this kind of online advocacy and debate isn't for everyone, and that's more than okay. Protecting your peace and honoring your own boundaries should always be the top priority. For those who do feel called to engage, pushing back against TERF talking points is crucial - but it's equally important to know when to step back. When it comes to concern trolling in particular, I've found the most effective approach is to respond with patience, kindness and receipts - and then disengage. Mute, block, ignore, whatever you need to do to keep your corner of the internet (and your mind) troll-free. At the end of the day, trolls are like fire - they need oxygen to survive. Deprive them of the attention they so desperately crave, and watch how quickly they sputter out.

So to every trans person reading this: know that you are seen, you are valued, and you are loved. Know that there is a community of allies ready to stand with you and fight alongside you. And know that no matter how loud the voices of hate and bigotry may seem, they are no match for the power of your truth.

It starts with each of us. So let's get to work!

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2. Schilt, K., & Westbrook, L. (2015). Bathroom Battlegrounds and Penis Panics. Contexts, 14(3), 26-31. https://doi.org/10.1177/1536504215596943

3. RationalWiki. (n.d.). Concern troll. Retrieved April 27, 2023, from https://rationalwiki.org/wiki/Concern_troll

4. Serano, J. (2021, June 08). Transgender people, bathrooms, and sexual predators: What the data say. Medium. https://juliaserano.medium.com/transgender-people-bathrooms-and-sexual-predators-what-the-data-say-2f31ae2a7c06

5. Barnett, Brian & Nesbit, Ariana & Sorrentino, Renee. (2018). The Transgender Bathroom Debate at the Intersection of Politics, Law, Ethics, and Science. The journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law. 46. 232-241. 10.29158/JAAPL.003761-18. PDF: https://sci-hub.se/10.29158/JAAPL.003761-18

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8. Totton, R. R., Rios, K., & Shogren, N. (2023). Distrusted disclosures: Deception drives anti-transgender but not anti-atheist prejudice. Frontiers in psychology, 13, 1006107. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1006107

9. Serano, J. See 4 above

10. Barnett, Brian & Nesbit, Ariana & Sorrentino, Renee. (2018). See 5 Above.

11. James, S. E., Herman, J. L., Rankin, S., Keisling, M., Mottet, L., & Anafi, M. (2016). The Report of the 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey. Washington, DC: National Center for Transgender Equality. https://transequality.org/sites/default/files/docs/usts/USTS-Full-Report-Dec17.pdf

12. Khazan, O. (2015, November 10). The racial roots of the anti-trans bathroom panic. https://slate.com/human-interest/2015/11/anti-trans-bathroom-propaganda-has-roots-in-racial-segregation.html

13. Truman, J. L., & Morgan, R. E. (2014). Nonfatal domestic violence, 2003-2012. U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Statistics. https://bjs.ojp.gov/library/publications/nonfatal-domestic-violence-2003-2012

14. Bettcher, T. M. (2007). Evil deceivers and make‐believers: On transphobic violence and the politics of illusion. Hypatia, 22(3), 43-65. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1527-2001.2007.tb01090.x

15. Pearce, R.(2020). See 7 above

16. Serano, J. (2007). Whipping girl: A transsexual woman on sexism and the scapegoating of femininity. Seal Press.

17. See 7 above

18. See 11 above

19. Flores, A. R., Langton, L., Meyer, I. H., & Romero, A. P. (2021). Gender identity disparities in criminal victimization: National Crime Victimization Survey, 2017–2018. American Journal of Public Health, 111(4), 726-729. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2020.306099

20. Rafferty, J., Committee on Psychosocial Aspects of Child and Family Health, Committee on Adolescence, & Section on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Health and Wellness. (2018). Ensuring comprehensive care and support for transgender and gender-diverse children and adolescents. Pediatrics, 142(4). https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2018-2162

21. American Psychological Association. (2015). Guidelines for psychological practice with transgender and gender nonconforming people. American Psychologist, 70(9), 832-864. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0039906

22. Harsey, S. J., Zurbriggen, E. L., & Freyd, J. J. (2017). Perpetrator responses to victim confrontation: DARVO and victim self-blame. Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma, 26(6), 644-663. https://doi.org/10.1080/10926771.2017.1320777

23. Tomlinson, B., & Lipsitz, G. (2020). Insubordinate Spaces: Improvisation and Accompaniment for Social Justice. Social Forces, 98(4), 1-3. https://doi.org/10.1093/sf/soz122

24. Shackel, N. (2005). The vacuity of postmodernist methodology. Metaphilosophy, 36(3), 295-320. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9973.2005.00370.x PDF: https://philpapers.org/archive/SHATVO-2.pdf

25. Human Rights Campaign Foundation. (2022). Fatal Violence Against the Transgender and Gender-Expansive Community in 2022. https://www.hrc.org/resources/fatal-violence-against-the-transgender-and-gender-expansive-community-in-2022

26. 2015 USTS - See 11 above.

27. Center for American Progress. (2022, December 22). Discrimination and barriers to well-being: The state of the LGBTQI+ community in 2022.
https://www.americanprogress.org/article/discrimination-and-barriers-to-well-being-the-state-of-the-lgbtqi-community-in-2022/

28. James, S. E., Huff, A. R., Matsumoto, A., Gruberg, S., Choi, S. K., & Herman, J. L. (2022). 2022 U.S. Transgender Survey: Early insights report. National Center for Transgender Equality. https://transequality.org/sites/default/files/2024-02/2022%20USTS%20Early%20Insights%20Report_FINAL.pdf

29. Reitman, K. (2018, November 5). How hateful rhetoric connects to real-world violence. Brookings. https://www.brookings.edu/articles/how-hateful-rhetoric-connects-to-real-world-violence/

30. Lee, W.Y., Hobbs, J.N., Hobaica, S. et al. State-level anti-transgender laws increase past-year suicide attempts among transgender and non-binary young people in the USA. Nat Hum Behav 8, 2096–2106 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-024-01979-5
PDF: View Only.

31. Gould, E., & Schwartz, J. (2018). Threats to freedom of speech and the foundations of democracy: Evidence from Great Britain and the United States. University of Warwick. https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/economics/research/centres/cage/manage/publications/373-2018_schwarz.pdf